Sepsis - NHS Choices Sepsis Sepsis is a rare but serious complication of an infection. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Read on or go straight to: Sepsis symptoms in children under five Go straight to A&E or call 999 if your child looks mottled, bluish or pale is very lethargic or difficult to wake feels abnormally cold to touch is breathing very fast has a rash that does not fade when you press it has a fit or convulsion Get medical advice urgently from NHS 111 If your child has any of the symptoms listed below, is getting worse or is sicker than you'd expect (even if their temperature falls), trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111.

Temperature temperature over 38C in babies under three months temperature over 39C in babies aged three to six months any high temperature in a child who cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything low temperature (below 36C – check three times in a 10-minute period) Breathing finding it much harder to breathe than normal – looks like hard work making "grunting" noises with every breath can't say more than a few words at once (for older children who normally talk) breathing that obviously "pauses" not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours Eating and drinking new baby under one month old with no interest in feeding not drinking for more than eight hours (when awake) bile-stained (green), bloody or black vomit/sick Activity and body soft spot on a baby's head is bulging eyes look "sunken" child cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything baby is floppy weak, "whining" or continuous crying in a younger child older child who's confused not responding or very irritable stiff neck, especially when trying to look up and down If your child has any of these symptoms, is getting worse or is sicker than you'd expect (even if their temperature falls), trust your instincts

 and seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111.

Sepsis symptoms in older children and adults Early symptoms of sepsis may include: a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature chills and shivering a fast heartbeat fast breathing In some cases, symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock (when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level) develop soon after. These can include: less urine production than normal – for example, not urinating for a day cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin loss of consciousness When to get medical help Seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111 if you've recently had an infection or injury and you have possible early signs of sepsis. If sepsis is suspected, you'll usually be referred to hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. Severe sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies. If you think you or someone in your care has one of these conditions, go straight to A&E or call 999. Tests to diagnose sepsis Sepsis is often diagnosed based on simple measurements such as your temperature, heart rate and breathing rate. You may need to give a blood test . Other tests can help determine the type of infection, where it's located and which body functions have been affected.

These include: urine or stool samples a wound culture – where a small sample of tissue, skin or fluid is taken from the affected area for testing respiratory secretion testing – taking a sample of saliva, phlegm or mucus blood pressure tests imaging studies – such as an X-ray , ultrasound scan or computerised tomography (CT) scan Treatments for sepsis If sepsis is detected early and hasn't affected vital organs yet, it may be possible to treat the infection at home with antibiotics . Most people who have sepsis detected at this stage make a full recovery. Almost all people with severe sepsis and septic shock require admission to hospital. Some people may require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) . Because of problems with vital organs, people with severe sepsis are likely to be very ill and the condition can be fatal. However, sepsis is treatable if it is identified and treated quickly, and in most cases leads to a full recovery with no lasting problems. Read more about treating sepsis . Recovering from sepsis Some people make a full recovery fairly quickly.

The amount of time it takes to fully recover from sepsis varies, depending on: the severity of the sepsis the person's overall health how much time was spent in hospital whether treatment was needed in an ICU Some people experience long-term physical and/or psychological problems during their recovery period, such as: feeling lethargic or excessively tired muscle weakness swollen limbs or joint pain chest pain or breathlessness These long-term problems are known as post-sepsis syndrome . Not everyone experiences these problems. Read more about recovering from sepsis on the UK Sepsis Trust website. Who's at risk? There are around 123,000 cases of sepsis a year in England. Around 37,000 people die every year as a result of the condition. Anyone can develop sepsis after an injury or minor infection, although some people are more vulnerable. People most at risk of sepsis include those: with a medical condition or receiving medical treatment that weakens their immune system who are already in hospital with a serious illness who are very young or very old who have just had surgery or who have wounds or injuries as a result of an accident Read more about the causes of sepsis .

Sepsis, septicaemia and blood poisoning Although sepsis is often referred to as either blood poisoning or septicaemia, these terms refer to the invasion of bacteria into the bloodstream. Sepsis can affect multiple organs or the entire body, even without blood poisoning or septicaemia. Sepsis can also be caused by viral or fungal infections, although bacterial infections are by far the most common cause. Page last reviewed: 24/02/2016 Sepsis (blood poisoning or septicaemia) - Symptoms, causes, treatments Sepsis, blood poisoning and septicaemia What is sepsis? Sepsis, also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning, is a life-threatening illness caused when the body is overcome by infection. This condition can develop either as a result of the body's own defence system, or from toxic substances made by the infecting agent (such as a bacteria, virus or fungus). There are three stages of sepsis: Sepsis - infection is present, or probably present, and there are symptoms including high or low temperature, fast heart rate, fast breathing rate. Severe sepsis - when the infection starts to interfere with the functioning of organs of the body.

Septic shock - symptoms and signs of severe sepsis, plus blood pressure drops to dangerous levels despite appropriate treatment, and organs are prevented from getting enough oxygenated blood. Sepsis symptoms Joint pain in the wrists, elbows, back, hips, knees and ankles . People at risk of sepsis People whose immune system (the body's defence against microbes) is not functioning well because of an illness (such as cancer or AIDS) or because of medical treatment (such as chemotherapy for cancer or steroids for a number of medical conditions) that weakens the immune system are more prone to develop sepsis. It is important to remember that even healthy people can develop from sepsis. Because their immune systems are not completely developed, very young babies may get sepsis if they become infected and are not treated in a timely manner. Often, if they develop signs of an infection such as fever, infants have to receive antibiotics and be admitted to hospital. Sepsis in the very young is often more difficult to diagnose because the typical signs of sepsis (fever, changes in behaviour) may not be present or may be more difficult to identify.

Elderly people, especially those with other conditions, such as diabetes , may be at increased risk as well. The number of people developing sepsis in the UK appears to be increasing with more than 44,000 deaths due to sepsis in the UK each year. Because of our ageing population, the number of elderly people with weak immune systems has also grown. Finally, because of the increased and often inappropriate use of antibiotics to treat illnesses caused by viruses and not bacteria, many strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, making the treatment of sepsis more difficult in some cases. Septicemia: Causes, Symptoms & Complications Septicemia is an infection of the blood, also known as bacteremia or blood poisoning. It must be treated in the hospital. If left untreated, septicemia can progress into sepsis. One of the best ways to prevent this condition is to see a doctor right away if you suspect you have an infection. Septicemia is a serious bloodstream infection. It’s also known as bacteremia, or blood poisoning. Septicemia occurs when a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, such as in the lungs or skin, enters the bloodstream.

This is dangerous because the bacteria and their toxins can be carried through the bloodstream to your entire body. Septicemia can quickly become life-threatening. It must be treated in a hospital. If it’s left untreated, septicemia can progress to sepsis. Septicemia and sepsis aren’t the same. Sepsis is a serious complication of septicemia. Sepsis is when inflammation throughout the body occurs. This inflammation can cause blood clots and block oxygen from reaching vital organs, resulting in organ failure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that over 1 million Americans get severe sepsis each year. Between 28 and 50 percent of these patients may die from the condition. When the inflammation occurs with extremely low blood pressure, it’s called septic shock. Septic shock is fatal in many cases. What Causes Septicemia? Septicemia is caused by an infection in another part of your body. This infection is typically severe. Many types of bacteria can lead to septicemia. The exact source of the infection often can’t be determined.

The most common infections that lead to septicemia are: urinary tract infections red dots that appear on the skin reduced urine volume inadequate blood flow (shock) It’s crucial to get to the hospital right away if you or someone else is showing signs of septicemia. Never take a “wait and see” approach or try to treat the problem at home. Complications of Septicemia Septicemia has a number of serious complications. These complications may be fatal if left untreated or if treatment is delayed for too long. Sepsis Sepsis occurs when your body has a strong immune response to the infection. This leads to widespread inflammation throughout the body. It’s called severe sepsis if it leads to organ failure. People with chronic diseases, such as HIV or cancer, are at a higher risk of sepsis. This is because they have a weakened immune system and can’t fight off the infection on their own. Septic Shock One complication of septicemia is a serious drop in blood pressure. This is called septic shock. Toxins released by the bacteria in the bloodstream can cause extremely low blood flow, which may result in organ or tissue damage. Septic shock is a medical emergency.

People with septic shock are usually cared for in a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU). You may need to be put on a ventilator, or breathing machine, if you’re in septic shock. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) A third complication of septicemia is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is a life-threatening condition that prevents enough oxygen from reaching your lungs and blood. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) , ARDS is fatal in about one-third of cases. It often results in some level of permanent lung damage. It can also damage your brain, which can lead to memory problems. How Is Septicemia Diagnosed? Diagnosing septicemia and sepsis are some of the biggest challenges facing doctors. It can be difficult to find the exact cause of the infection. Diagnosis will usually involve a wide range of tests. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and ask about your medical history. They’ll perform a physical examination to look for low blood pressure or body temperature. The doctor may also look for signs of conditions that more commonly occur along with septicemia. These conditions include pneumonia, meningitis, and cellulitis.

Your doctor may want to perform tests on multiple types of fluids to help confirm a bacterial infection. These may include the following: urine wound secretions and skin sores respiratory secretions blood Your doctor may look for your cell and platelet counts and also order tests to analyze your blood clotting. Your doctor may also look at the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood if septicemia is causing you to have breathing issues. If signs of infection are not obvious, your doctor may order test to look more closely at specific organs and tissue, such as: X-ray ultrasound Treatment for Septicemia Septicemia that has started to affect your organs or tissue function is a medical emergency. It must be treated at a hospital. Many people with septicemia are admitted to a hospital’s ICU for treatment and recovery. Your treatment will depend on several factors, including: your age the extent of your condition your tolerance for certain medications Antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection that’s causing septicemia. There isn’t typically enough time to figure out which type of bacteria is causing the infection. Initial treatment will usually use “broad-spectrum” antibiotics. These are designed to work against a wide range of bacteria at once.

A more focused antibiotic may be used if the specific bacterium is identified. You may get fluids and other medications intravenously to maintain your blood pressure or to prevent blood clots from forming. You may also get oxygen through a mask or ventilator if you experience breathing issues as a result of septicemia. Is There Any Way to Prevent Septicemia? Bacterial infections are the underlying cause of septicemia. See a doctor right away if you think you have this condition. If your infection can be effectively treated with antibiotics in the early stages, you may be able to prevent the bacteria from entering your bloodstream. Parents can help protect children from septicemia by ensuring they stay up to date with their vaccinations. If you already have a compromised immune system, the following precautions can help prevent septicemia: avoid smoking stay away from people who are sick What Is the Outlook? When diagnosed very early, septicemia can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Research efforts are focused on finding out better ways to diagnose the condition earlier. If you develop the symptoms of septicemia or sepsis after surgery or an infection, seek medical care right away. Even with treatment, it’s possible to have permanent organ damage.

This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions that affect how well their immune systems work. There have been many recent medical developments in diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and training for septicemia. This has helped reduce mortality rates. According to a study published in Critical Care Medicine , the hospital mortality rate from severe sepsis has decreased from 47 percent (between 1991 and 1995) to 29 percent (between 2006 and 2009). Life After Sepsis - Sepsis Alliance Life After Sepsis Donate Now Anything You're Looking For? Now that you or someone you care about has survived sepsis, you may have many questions about what comes next. According to statistics, there are more than 1.4 million sepsis survivors every year in the United States alone. Many who survive are left with life-changing challenges. Some of the long-lasting effects of sepsis are obvious, such as missing limbs or organ dysfunction, like kidney failure. How long it takes for the body’s organs to begin working properly again varies widely between people. Other after effects of sepsis are less obvious, such as memory loss or the inability to do simple arithmetic.

There is so much that we don’t know yet about sepsis and we don’t have many hard answers. But as sepsis becomes more present in the news and as more people ask and talk about it, using the word, it is being noticed. As attention increases, through efforts by the general public and by Sepsis Alliance, we will get more answers. In September 2010, the Society of Critical Care Medicine in the United States held a conference to discuss issues relating to rehabilitation for patients recovering from severe illnesses, like sepsis. Dr. Carl Flatley, founder of Sepsis Alliance, participated. The rehabilitation – or after care – is needed not only in the hospital environment, but at home as part of community care. Through conferences like this, experts are learning about how survivors need to be helped following critical illnesses. As medical technology improves and saves more lives, this issue will only continue to grow. The conference participants concluded that there is an urgent need to address the long-term needs of survivors of severe illnesses, like sepsis, for both the patients and their families.

This includes raising awareness and education, identifying barriers that may get in the way of post-intensive care rehabilitation, and identifying research gaps and resources that need to be addressed in order to improve long-term care for survivors. Here are some of the more common issues and questions that are asked by people who have had sepsis or who know someone who had it. Life After Sepsis My mom was always very sharp mentally but after she had sepsis, she became much more forgetful and we worry about her living alone in her home. Is this normal? Sepsis Survivors Now that you or someone you care about has survived sepsis, you may have many questions about what comes next. There are more than 1.6 million cases of sepsis every year and survivors often face long-term effects post-sepsis, including amputations, anxiety, memory loss, chronic pain and fatigue, and more. Almost 60% of sepsis survivors experience worsened cognitive (mental) and/or physical function. Many sepsis survivors also require rehospitalization.

Over 62% of people who had a primary diagnosis of sepsis (the reason why they were hospitalized in the first place) who had to be readmitted to the hospital were rehospitalized within 30 days of first leaving the hospital. And among children, almost half who have had severe sepsis end up being hospitalized again. There are several commonly asked questions in the FAQ section of the website. Many are about life after sepsis. There are also sections on post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sepsis Alliance has put together a letter that may help explain to healthcare professionals the impact of PSS. If you believe that this letter can help, you can print it out here . How You Can Help Volunteer Volunteering for Sepsis Alliance is a great way for people to become involved in the promotion of sepsis awareness. Host Fundraising Are you interested in hosting a fundraising event to help raise funds for and awareness of Sepsis Alliance? If so, we’d love to hear from you ! Q & A | Sepsis | CDC Sepsis See Also – Sepsis Fact Sheets What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a complication caused by the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. What causes sepsis? Infections can lead to sepsis. An infection occurs when germs multiply, enter a person’s body and multiply, causing illness, and organ and tissue damage. Certain infections and germs lead to sepsis most often. Sepsis is often associated with infections of the lungs (e.g., pneumonia), urinary tract (e.g., kidney), skin, and gut. Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and some types of Streptococcus (strep) are common germs that can cause sepsis. Are certain people with an infection more likely to get sepsis? Anyone can develop sepsis from an infection, especially when not treated properly. However, sepsis occurs most often in people aged 65 years or older or less than 1 year, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).

A CDC evaluation found more than 90% of adults and 70% of children who developed sepsis had a health condition that may have put them at risk. Ask your doctor about your risk for getting sepsis. If you suspect sepsis, ask your doctor, "Could it be sepsis?" If you have a chronic medical condition, ask your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risk of infections, such as controlling blood sugar for persons with diabetes. What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis? There is no single sign or symptom of sepsis. It is, rather, a combination of symptoms. Since sepsis is the result of an infection, symptoms can include infection signs (diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, etc.), as well as ANY of the symptoms below: Shivering, fever, or very cold Extreme pain or discomfort Top of Page What should I do if I think I have an infection that isn’t getting better or is getting worse? Get immediate medical attention if you have any signs or symptoms of an infection or sepsis. This is a medical emergency. If you are continuing to feel worse or not getting better from an infection, ask your doctor about sepsis.

If you or a family member are at higher risk for sepsis (older than 65, younger than 1 year, or with a weakened immune system, or a chronic medical condition) consider getting medical attention for any suspected infection. How is sepsis diagnosed? Doctors diagnose sepsis using a number of physical findings like fever, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and increased breathing rate. They also do lab tests that check for signs of infection and organ damage. Many of the symptoms of sepsis, such as fever and difficulty breathing, are the same as in other conditions, making sepsis hard to diagnose in its early stages. Top of Page How is sepsis treated? People with sepsis are treated in the hospital. Doctors try to treat the infection, keep the vital organs working, and prevent a drop in blood pressure. Doctors treat sepsis with antibiotics as soon as possible. Many patients receive oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain normal blood oxygen levels and blood pressure. Other types of treatment, such as assisting breathing with a machine or kidney dialysis, may be necessary. Sometimes surgery is required to remove tissue damaged by the infection. Top of Page Are there any long-term effects of sepsis?

Many people who get sepsis recover completely and their lives return to normal. But some people may experience permanent organ damage. For example, in someone who already has kidney problems, sepsis can lead to kidney failure that requires lifelong dialysis. Top of Page What can I do to prevent sepsis? Get vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia, and any other infections that could lead to sepsis. Talk to your doctor for more information. Prevent infections that can lead to sepsis by: Cleaning scrapes and wounds Practicing good hygiene (e.g., hand washing) Know that time matters. If you have a severe infection, look for signs and symptoms like: shivering, fever, or very cold, extreme pain or discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin, confusion or disorientation, short of breath, and high heart rate. What is CDC doing to prevent sepsis?

CDC works to prevent infections that could lead to sepsis through support for: Vaccination against diseases caused by germs like pneumococcus, meningococcus and influenza Smoking cessation programs (because smokers have higher risk for pneumonia) Strategies that prevent healthcare-associated infections Research on prevention of infections that can cause sepsis CDC has increased its support for projects specifically focused on sepsis prevention so that we can better understand the factors that contribute to sepsis, enhance prevention strategies, and save lives. CDC also is collaborating with patient advocates and clinical partners to promote sepsis prevention and early recognition among healthcare providers, patients and their families. Sepsis or Septicemia (Blood Infection) Symptoms, Causes, Treatments Sepsis Treatment Sepsis is a serious medical condition caused by an overwhelming immune response to infection. Chemicals released into the blood to fight infection trigger widespread inflammation. Inflammation may result in organ damage. Blood clotting during sepsis reduces blood flow to limbs and internal organs, depriving them of nutrients and oxygen. In severe cases, one or more organs fail. In the worst cases, infection leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure , called septic shock .

This can quickly lead to the failure of several organs -- lungs , kidneys , and liver -- causing death. Severe sepsis affects more than a million Americans each year. Up to half of these people will die from this condition. The term sepsis is often used interchangeably with septicemia, a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly and is often fatal. Sepsis Causes and Risk Factors Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. However, sepsis can also be caused by other infections. The infection can begin anywhere bacteria or other infectious agents can enter the body. It can result from something as seemingly harmless as a scraped knee or nicked cuticle or from a more serious medical problem such as appendicitis , pneumonia , meningitis , or a urinary tract infection . Sepsis may accompany infection of the bone, called osteomyelitis . In hospitalized patients, common sites of initial infection include IV lines, surgical incisions, urinary catheters, and bed sores. Although anyone can get sepsis, certain groups of people are at greater risk.

They include: People whose immune systems are not functioning well due to illnesses such as HIV /AIDS or cancer or use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as steroids and those used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs Very young babies The elderly, particularly if they have other health problems People who have recently been hospitalized and/or had invasive medical procedures Altered kidney or liver function Other tests of bodily fluids and radiologic tests, such as X-ray or CT scan, can often help in diagnosing the cause of the infection. People diagnosed with severe sepsis are usually placed in the intensive care unit (ICU), where doctors try to stop the infection, keep vital organs functioning, and regulate blood pressure. Sepsis treatment usually begins with: Broad-spectrum antibiotics , which kill many types of bacteria IV fluids to maintain blood pressure Oxygen to maintain normal blood oxygen Once the infectious agent is identified, the doctor can switch to a drug that targets that particular agent. Depending on the severity and effects of sepsis, other types of treatment, such as a breathing machine or kidney dialysis , may be needed. Sometimes surgery is necessary to drain or clean an infection.

Often doctors prescribe other treatments, including vasopressors (drugs that cause the blood vessels to narrow) to improve blood pressure. Permanent organ damage can occur in people who survive sepsis. Between 28& and 50% of patients with severe sepsis die from the infection. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on January 21, 2015 Sources Meningitis & Septicaemia Frequently Asked Questions Information about other types of bacterial and non-bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. What are meningitis and septicaemia? Meningitis means swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs. They can occur together or separately. Meningitis and septicaemia are caused by many types of germs, but meningococcal bacteria cause the most common serious kind. Meningococcal disease is very dangerous and can come on very quickly. Am I at Risk? The risk of getting the disease is very low. Although meningococcal disease is infectious and can cause outbreaks, 97 out of every 100 cases are isolated, with no link to any other cases.

The bacteria that cause the disease are very common: at any time about one in ten of us has them in our noses and throats without ever knowing they are there, and for most of us this is harmless. We pass the bacteria between each other by close contact (e.g. coughing, sneezing, kissing). Usually we have to be in very close or regular contact with someone for the bacteria to pass between us. Even when this happens, most of us will not become ill because we have natural immunity. The bacteria cannot live longer than a few moments outside the human body, so they are not carried on things like clothes and bedding, toys or dishes. How do people get it? People get the disease when the bacteria move from the nose and throat and invade the body. Is there an incubation period? Yes. Symptoms normally appear within about five days of picking up the bacteria. Usually we have to be in very close or regular contact with someone for the bacteria to pass between us. Even when this happens, most of us will not become ill because we have natural immunity. The bacteria cannot live longer than a few moments outside the human body, so they are not carried on things like clothes and bedding, toys or dishes.

Why do some people get meningitis or septicaemia? We do not yet fully understand why some people get ill from germs that are harmless to most of us. Babies and young children are at higher risk than older children and adults, partly because their immune systems are not fully developed. Can meningitis and septicaemia be prevented? Vaccines give excellent protection, but cannot yet prevent all forms, and different vaccines for different forms are available in different countries of the word. Vaccine programmes in the UK and Ireland Can the disease be treated? Yes. Most people recover, but they need urgent treatment in hospital, and some people are left with disabilities or other after effects. How would I know if I’ve got it? In the early stages, it can be very difficult to tell meningitis and septicaemia apart from milder diseases. It is vital to know the symptoms and to get medical help immediately if you are worried that an ill person may have the disease. My sister has the disease. Where can my family get support? We offer support to people affected. In the UK call Freefone helpline on 080 8800 3344.

In Ireland call free on 1800 41 33 44. My daughter’s boyfriend works in a factory where there has been a case of meningitis. Should I stop her seeing him? There is no need to avoid people who have been in contact with a case. Remember one in ten people carry the bacteria, so we come into contact with them all the time. Is it safe for my son to play with a boy who has had meningitis? Yes. It is perfectly safe for your son to play with him. The antibiotics he had in hospital have killed the bacteria, so he’s not infectious any more. What should I do if I am worried about someone who is ill? Trust your instincts. Someone who has meningitis or septicaemia could become seriously ill very quickly. Get medical help immediately if you are worried about someone who is ill. Page last updated 13.05.16 Patient Comments: Sepsis - Symptoms - Viewers Share Their Medical Experiences - MedicineNet Main Article on Sepsis Comment from: losbanosmonkey, 65-74 Male ( Caregiver ) Published: May 16 My father last year had sepsis.

I'm pretty sure he got it from picking up cat turds with his bare hands. I don't know why he did that. He developed flu -like symptoms and I believe a headache . They couldn't identify it at one hospital so he was transferred to another. He lost a lot of weight with his sepsis and was talking crazy (asking me to get him a knife) because he had to be restrained to the hospital bed. They didn't know what to do with him at first. After my mom raised hell on the phone I went to visit him and there were like 20 personnel watching over him. It turns out the thing that saved his life was a blood transfusion . Was this comment helpful? Yes Comment from: Xoli, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: March 31 I had a terrible headache and shivering. I went to the hospital and my temperature was 39 degrees and my blood pressure was very low. They told me that I had sepsis and that worries me. They have given me some antibiotics but I am still not sure what was causing that. I still need to know what cause this sepsis. Was this comment helpful?

Yes Comment from: helosthebattle, 55-64 Male (Patient) Published: September 01 Last month my dad got sick after a few trips. He looked like he had the flu. I know he had chills and later had a hard time breathing and it felt like stomach flu stuff. When he went to the emergency room (ER) they diagnosed him to be in septic shock . It happened so fast. And when I last saw him up and around he wasn't super sick. But when he was in the ER it went from bad to a nightmare . His small intestines had an obstruction. Fatty tissue caused a blockage. Then it was like a domino effect; kidneys, lungs , ventilator, and his blood pressure dropped so low. He was maxed on blood pressure medicines. Then his heart rate was super high. We'd get small things of hope. Then something else hit. With liquid in his lungs he was transferred to a better hospital. There the surgeons found C. difficile in his bowels. Part of it was dying and they removed 120 cm of small intestines. Then his colon went and they removed that.

Then his heart; he flat lined 5 times, so they put a pacemaker in. He kept making it through these miracles. Doctors thought he was amazing. Then he got sick again. His small intestines had a hole and they removed more. The man had 15 surgeries. His lungs gave him more trouble and he ended up back on the ventilator after getting off it. Then he started bleeding. That would be it. They tried to save him. He went smiling. All I know is sepsis took my dad at 59. Was this comment helpful? Yes Comment from: dental sepsis, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: July 08 Two years ago I started experiencing a rash that consisted of small red boils all over my body. I went to several doctors who did not diagnose the rash . The cause was not ever pin-pointed or diagnosed, until I noticed that I have a re-occurring dental issue with an infected gum line due to faulty dental fillings . I continually told countless dentists and emergency room doctors that I had a bad tooth and they continued to perform faulty dental filling replacements.

I finally saw a dermatologist who has given me powerful month long courses of antibiotics to tide me over until I can visit a dentist. I may have to extract the molar as I cannot go through any faulty dental work any longer. My dermatologist could only agree that this was a form of CA- MRSA without running any culture or blood tests for dental sepsis. Was this comment helpful? Yes Comment from: bign, 55-64 Male (Patient) Published: June 12 My sepsis symptoms were fever and kidney failure . My white blood cell count was 38,000 and I had extreme swelling of colon. Was this comment helpful? Yes 1 Meningitis - NHS Choices Meningitis Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.

This page covers: Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F) being sick a headache a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop) a dislike of bright lights drowsiness or unresponsiveness Read more about the symptoms of meningitis . When to get medical help You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you're concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and don't wait until a rash develops. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill. Call NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. How meningitis is spread Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing kissing sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but aren't ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common. Read more about the causes of meningitis . Vaccinations against meningitis Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.

These include the: meningitis B vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks, and a booster at 1 year 5-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age pneumococcal vaccine – offered to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year old meningitis C vaccine – offered at 12 weeks of age, 1 year, and to teenagers and first-time university students MMR vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months meningitis ACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time Read more about meningitis vaccinations . Treatments for meningitis People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.

Treatments include: antibiotics given directly into a vein fluids given directly into a vein oxygen through a face mask Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days and can often be treated at home. Getting plenty of rest and taking painkillers and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms in the meantime. Outlook for meningitis Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems. Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious, long-term problems. These can include:

Question: What are you suffering with if you have septicaemia
Answer: Blood poisoning